Only made in the best years, this, the 2nd vintage of this wine (the first was in 2007), is truly impressive. The final blend of 38% Cabernet Franc, 37% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was a selection of Fielding’s best barrels and there was no fining and filtering whatsoever. Medium to full body; there is a rich texture and lots of smoke, chocolate, dark cherry, cassis, blackberry, black pepper/spice and olive. Great length and structure to allow to age another 7‒8 years.
Another find from the Lodi region, this is atypical of those big, spicy Chardonnays from California. This one is fresh and clean with a nose of green apple, peach, pineapple and light spice notes. It’s delightful on the palate with bright fruit notes, soft vanilla spice and plenty of acid to provide freshness through the finish.
Knights Valley is about 30 km northwest of Napa Valley and is defined by the rocky, well-drained soils that are perfect for growing Cabernet. The nose shows plums, black cherry, mocha, red liquorice, blueberry, herbs and black tea. The black fruits, anise, roasted coffee bean and spices are soft on the palate and balanced nicely with the rounded tannins. Ready to drink now or cellar for 3 or 4 years. Serve with beef tenderloin.
This 5-variety Bordeaux blend — led by Merlot (50%) — opens with fragrant cassis, black plum and chocolate. The lively palate follows with rich mocha and blackcurrant flavours. Finishes with complex tobacco and coffee bean. Aerate to soften the tannins before serving with your holiday roast.
Pale lemon in colour with a Burgundian-style bouquet of apple and toast, a light barnyard aroma lifted by a floral note; medium-bodied, high-toned, baked apple and lemon flavours with a toasty finish.
A dense purple blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cedary, blackcurrant and plum bouquet with spicy new oak notes. Full-bodied, richly extracted black fruit flavours with savoury dark chocolate and coffee bean flavours ending on grainy, cocoa-like tannins. Beautifully balanced and voluptuous.
This family has been growing grapes and making wine in the ancient vine-growing Campania since 1910. Certified organic and additive free, this is 100 percent Piedirosso from the limestone soil hillsides of Ponte, Sannio, between 200 to 400m. Time in stainless was employed to preserve the bright, red floral notes before tight raspberry, green herbal leaf and fine, gritty tannins to a crunchy finish. Youthful, lighter, authentic and rustic (in a good way), this is lovely red to crack with bitter greens, fired pizza.